AMA Guides® Newsletter - Issue Archive

Articles

1. Cardiac Manifestations of “Long COVID” (Post–COVID-19 Conditions)

   Stephen L. Demeter

   Pages 1–37

   DOI: 10.1001/amaguidesnewsletters.2022.SeptOct01

   Abstract

   The Centers for Disease Control has defined long COVID—or post–COVID-19 conditions—as a clinical syndrome reflecting a wide range of new, persistent, or recurring health problems experienced by individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]). What is known is that symptoms in these individuals diminish with time. It is unclear how long it takes to achieve maximum medical improvement. This article addresses the cardiac manifestations (including the pulmonary vascular and peripheral vascular manifestations) of long COVID. Emphasis is placed on recent articles (published in the last year) and issues relating to impairment evaluations.
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2. Obesity As A Cause of Restrictive Ventilatory Defect

   Stephen L. Demeter

   Pages 38–54

   DOI: 10.1001/amaguidesnewsletters.2022.SeptOct02

   Abstract

   There is an association between obesity and restriction on pulmonary function testing when relying on the forced vital capacity (FVC) as the defining parameter for restriction. Body mass index (BMI) may not be the best measure of obesity, but it is the most commonly used. Multiple examples of regression formulae have been developed to explain the relationship between obesity and restriction, but these may be too complicated for general use. This article reviews the medical literature concerning this association.
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